World’s First Ammonia-Fueled Vessel Completes Successful Demonstration Voyage

The Sakigake, the world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, has successfully completed a three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay, achieving an up to 95% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Project Background

• Developed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. (IPS) in collaboration with ClassNK.

• Part of Japan’s Green Innovation Fund Project under the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

• Construction began in October 2021 and was completed on August 23, 2024.

• Operated by Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha for tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay.

Demonstration Results

• Ammonia co-firing rate consistently exceeded 90%, reaching 95.2% at full engine load.

• GHG reduction rates ranged from 90.3% to 94.0%, demonstrating ammonia’s viability as a next-generation marine fuel.

Commemorative Ceremony

A ceremony was held at the Port of Yokohama to mark the success of the project, attended by:

• Former Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide

• Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry KATO Akiyoshi

• Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism TAKAMI Yasuhiro

• Mayor of Yokohama YAMANAKA Takeharu

Future Plans

• Sakigake will continue tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay to further test and improve ammonia-fueled vessel performance.

• NYK, along with Japan Engine Corporation, IPS, and Nippon Shipyard Co., Ltd., is developing an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier, scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

• NYK remains committed to developing next-generation fueled vessels and achieving net-zero emissions in the shipping industry.